Abstract This paper examines how bullfighting was introduced to the Mexican culture by the Spanish during the 1500s and how it has not only become a national symbol of Mexican society, but has come to reflect the social structure of the country as well, in terms of the seating and program structure.
From the Paper "The bullfight is divided into three stages called tercios, each of which are separated by horn signals. During the first stage, the bullfighter uses a large purple and yellow cape to display the bull to the crowd and to asses its strength, then the picadores enter and lance the back of the bull with steel tipped long pikes that penetrate the bull some four inches to test its strength and to weaken it. During the next stage, called La Suerte de Banderillas, three banderilleros attempt to stick a pair of darts into the attacking bull's back in order to further weaken it. During the final stage, the matador enters the ring and leads the bull around the ring with a small red cape, all the while dodging and taunting the bull to show the spectators his power and courage."
